1. We should do absolutely everything we can to push students as far as they can go – absolutely no excuses.
Absolutely – it is our job and our moral duty to do everything. However there is no such thing as ‘as far as they can go’. The possibilities are endless and the potential infinite. Anyone can learn anything and achieve everything.
2. There is never an acceptable time to give up on a student.
Couldn’t agree more
3. The only barriers to student progress are the ones we allow to exist.
Completely
Yes – students can learn to be better learners and intelligence is not fixed. However it is even simpler than this: With the right coaching, the right teachers and the right resources – anyone can learn anything. It’s all about identifying what needs to be learnt next and then teaching it and then continuing with this cycle.
5. Teaching is a drug and the best teachers keep going back for more.
There are ups and downs but the feeling when a student ‘gets it’ can’t be beaten.
6. The best teachers are those that are most passionate and most enthusiastic. They never give up.
It’s all about positivity – positivity breeds positivity – always keep going.
7. Every teacher needs a great mentor. Teaching is a collective responsibility.
Completely. A great teacher with good subject knowledge is far better than a good teacher with great subject knowledge. Just help the great teachers learn what they need to know to become even greater. Share the wealth.
8. The biggest impact upon student attainment is the teacher that stands in front of them. You raise attainment by improving the quality of these teachers.
Yes and what improves the quality of these teachers is when they understand that great progress is identifying and then continually teaching what students need next.
9. CPD must be exceptional. Teachers must leave knowing how to be better teachers.
It must be exceptional and everyone must be empowered to share their knowledge and skills in a supportive non-judgemental environment.
I still agree but I now think there are actually six. Teachers must identify what individual children in their classes need to learn next and teach that very thing using the best methodology for it. The continuation of this process then leads to great progress.
11. Great staff have great ideas, let them get on with implementing them and never say no.
Yes, it is this intrinsic motivation that sparks creativity. However school’s must have a ‘how’ a ‘way of doing things’ and as important as what this is, is actually having it.
It’s simpler than this, much simpler. Outstanding lessons move everyone on by assessing where everyone is right now and teaching them what they are ready for next.
13. The impact is more important than the provision.
Obviously.
Schools must do everything they can to make this a priority.
15. ‘Hard to reach’ parents perceive ‘hard to reach’ schools
Yes – we must do everything we can to make them not just welcome but part of the school
16. A spiral model of learning is that which is most effective.
Yes – we must strike the perfect balance between the new learning and reinforcing and consolidating what has previously been covered.
We must and we must continually ask them to make these links.
18. Homework can have a dramatic impact on a child’s education, but only if done right.
But too often it is done badly. Home learning should be about allowing students to practise their skills so as to progress further. Anything else is a lot of effort for not a lot of point.
